The resolution also recognized the cardinal as a leading advocate for democracy in Hong Kong and instructed the President of the European Parliament, Maltese Catholic Roberta Metsola, to communicate the resolution to the Holy See as well as other institutions.
“The European Parliament has stood and still stands and will continue to stand with Hong Kong. This parliament continues to actively show solidarity with Hong Kong democrats and against Chinese communist oppression,” said Reinhard Buetikofer, the leader of the European Parliament’s China delegation according to the South China Morning Post.
Zen was arrested by the authorities in Hong Kong on May 11 and was released on bail later on the same day. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of failing to register a pro-democracy association.
The day after Zen’s arrest by Hong Kong authorities, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said he hoped that the cardinal’s arrest would not complicate the Holy See’s dialogue with China.
Zen has strongly criticized the Holy See’s provisional agreement on the appointment of bishops with Beijing.
Human rights advocates this week voiced concerns after Pope Francis said the agreement was “moving well” and should be renewed.
Credit: Source link
